Col. Carl W. Kruger, 98, of Palmyra, Va., went to be with the Lord July 28, 2019. Kruger was the son of Carl Gustave Kruger and Eleanor Tenney of Toms River, N.J., and he was raised by his loving grandmother Sophia Kruger, and aunts Amanda and Eleanor Kruger of Los Angeles, Calif. He was preceded in passing by his wife of 60 years, Frances Daly Kruger; son-in-law Col. James L. Bryan, and grandson Carl W. Kruger.
Kruger was a man without peer, a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He was a professional officer who served a 30-year career in the regular Army. He was a combat veteran of World War II and Vietnam, decorated for valor, and an intellectual with a master’s degree in business from Stanford University. He was an avid hunter, fisher and woodworker, but his real joy in life was his role as a devoted husband and loving father of three. He lived a life that most people only read about.
He is survived by his loving children: Col. Carl M. Kruger and wife Daniela, Amanda K. Bryan, and Col. Kelly D. Kruger and wife Mary; his devoted 11 grandchildren: Melissa B. Kruger, Lt. Col. Patrick L. Bryan, Katherine G. Kruger, Cassandra D. Bryan, Steven D. Kruger, Amanda K. Carter, Maj. Carl M. Kruger, Martha L. Kruger, Daniel J. Bryan, Cadet Kelly D. Kruger, and John F. Kruger; and nine great-grandchildren: Nellie S. Beck, Jaylon Carter, Augustus J. Bryan, Cormac R. Bryan, Cadel W. Bryan, Margaret F. Bryan, Emma M. Kruger, Jacob M. Kruger and Hudson R. Kruger.
We celebrate his memory and fullness of life.
We live for this moment, no matter who we are. When this moment arrives we are united with Jesus, who died for us. He understands, he loves, and he prays for us.
A graveside funeral was held Friday, Aug. 2, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at Beaverdam Baptist Church in Troy.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children at https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/donate.
Condolences may be shared online at www.hillandwood.com.